Mechanism for assembling and inserting inclosures in envelopes



8 Sheets-Sheet l Feb. l1, 1936. Dl Q ROYSTER MECHANISM FOR ASSEMBLING AND INSERTING INCLOSURES 1N ENVELOPES Filed Feb. 17, 1955 D. O. ROYSTER Feb. 11, 1936.

MECHANISM FOR ASSEMBLING AND INSEHTING INCLOSURES IN ENVELOPES Filed Feb. 17, 1935 8 ,VSheetS-Sheet-2 Feb.. 11, 1936. D, Q ROYSTER 2,030,656

MECHANISM FOR ASSEMBLING AND INSERTING INCLOSURES IN ENVELOPES Filed Feb. 17, 1935 s sheets-sheet 3 Feb. l1, 1936. D, C)l ROYSTER 2,030,656

MECHANISM FOR ASSEMBLING AND INSERTING INCLOSURES IN ENVELOPES Filed Feb. 17, 1935 8 Sheets-Sheet l 4 l l I l Feb. 11, 1936. D Q ROYSTER .2,030,656

MECHANISM FOR ASSEMBLING AND INSERTING INCLOSURES IN ENVELOPES AFiled Feb. v17, 1933 a sheets-sheet 5` Feb. 11, 1936. D. o. ROYSTER l 2,030,656

MECHANISM FOR AssEMBLING AND`1Ns6RT1NG INCLosUHEs 1N ENva-fLoPEs Filed Feb. 17, 1935 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 l Oli /l 0' i b Feb. ll, 1936. D. o. RoYsTi-:R 2,030,656

MECHNISM FOR SSEMBLING AND INSERTING INCLOSURES IN ENVELOPES Filed Feb. 17, 1953 8 Sheets-Sheet '7 O I 46g. /W 775 fff d/ if! Feb. l1, v1936. DA Q ROYSTER 2,030,656

MECHANISM FOR ASSEMBLING AND INSERTING INCLOSURES IN ENVELOPES Filed Feb, 17, 195s 8 sheetssneet 8 Patented Feb. i1, 193e aosaes's MEonANrs'M ron Asslnunnirzol AND ml saa'rmd monosuans 1N ENvELoPEs Davia o. Romer, overland-Mo. Application February 1i, 1933, serial No. 657.185

l 30 Claims. This invention has particular reference to a mechanism for assembling and inserting inclusures in envelopes, and has for its prime objects the provision of a mechanism, cf the kind described, for-*automatically inserting an envelopeinclosureinto an envelope; the provision of 'an automatically operable mechanism for .expanding the mouth of anenvelope and inserting the envelope-inclosure therein; the provision of a1 mechanism1 of the character described, for gath" ering together from suitable storage-chutes or other convenient source of supply, a plurality of inserts,` as advertising matten'return postcards,-booklets, and the like, and inserting the gathered inserts into an envelope; the provision of such a described mechanism for embracing the gathered inserts in a lfolded article, as a folded letter, advertising-broadside `or vother folded matter, and inserting the resulting socalled envelope-inclosure in an envelope; and the provision of a mechanism of the kind set forth, for formingan envelope-inclos'ure composed of a plurality of' inserts, with or without an accompanying letter, for inserting the same into an envelope or similar container having a side or end opening closable by a flap, or other suitableelement, sealing the flap on the envelope,` and removing the inclosure-containlng `and sealed-.envelope from the machine.

Anci with the above, and other objects in view, my invention resides in the novel features vof form, construction, arrangemennand combination of parts hereinafter described and pointed out inA the claims.

In the accompanying drawings (eight sheets) Figure 1 is a reduced longitudinal view of a mechanism for vassembling and inserting inclosures in an envelope, of my invention, the mechanism being shown as in the operation of assembling gathered inserts'into a foldedarticle, while feeding an envelope onto the envelope-carriage; Figure 2 is a. reduced plan view,l partly broken away and in section, of the mechanism, asin the position of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a fragmentary view taken approximately along the line 3 3, Figure 2, the mech- 5 5, Figure 3,- and other parts ofthe machine removed;

[Figure 6 is an enlarged fragmentary plan viewy taken approximately along the lines {ie-Q of Fig..

Figure 'l is a fragmentary sectional view taken V approximately along the line 1`1, Figure 3,

, PATENT oFFlcE showing also aside elevational view of the assexn- 5 i bly-box operating mechanismi- Figure 8' is a fragmentary sectional view taken approximately along the line 8-8, Figure 3,y showing also 'an interior view` of the assembly'- box; Y

Figure 9 is a fragmentary-enlarged sectional view of one of theA envelope-feeders, the: 'view being taken approximately along the line 9-9-, Figure 11, showingthe mechanism in the act of engaging the nap of an envelope preparatory to removing an envelope from its storage-chute.

Figure 10 is a view.- similar to Figure'Q, showing the flapy of the envelope gripped in the feeder and the Venvelolae in the act of being drawn from l the chute Figure 11 is'a fragmentary plan sectional view of the feeder mechanism of Figure l9, the view being taken approximately along the line II--'I l,`

Figuren Figure 12 is `a. fragmentary transverse sec- 25 tional view taken'approximately along the line l.,

|2l2, Figure 11; Y .l Figure 13 is afragmentary enlarged sectional view of an envelope-feeder, the view being taken approximately along'the line I3-I'3, Figure 14, 30 showing the feeder disposed in envelope-inverted flap-gripping position, the feeder being` also shown by dotdash lines in envelopeeinverted apreleasing position; V

Figure 14 is a fragmentary plan-sectional view 35 ofthe feeder-mechanism of Figure 13, the view being taken approximately along the line Ulf-i4, Figure l; y i

'Figure l5 is a, fragmentary longitudinal sec-7 tional. view taken approximately along the line i0 ISL-45, Figure 2, the `envelope being on the enf velope-carriage andthe latterbeing 'shown upraised and advanced to and under the stuierv l pan forV receiving an assembled inclosure, the stuffer mechanism being shown in inclosure-ini5` serting position; e y

Figure `16 is a fragmentary transverse Vsectional view taken approximately along the line i-ll, Figure 2, the envelope-carriage being shown upraised and retracted from the stuffer-pan as at fthe conclusion of the inclosure-insertingV 'and envelopeflapsealing operation, the ,take-oi! rolls being shown by dotdash lines in positionfforf removing the inclosure-containing and sealed en- VelODe from the machine; 55.

Fig. 17 issn enlarged side view of the envelope carriage. taken approximately along the line l1.l1, Figure 16, the parts being shown inposhtiorji as at-the conclusion of thev flap-sealing'oper-4 ation, andthe next succeedingposition ofthe parts for removing the envelopes from the machine being indicated by dot-dash lines;

Figure 18 is a transverse, partly broken, sectional view taken approximately along the line I8-'I8, of Figures 1 and 15, the parts being shown in position as at completion of the inclosure-insorting operation, the carriage being removed;

Figure 19 is an enlarged fragmentary detail sectional view taken through a side margin of the carriage .approximately at the line I9-I9, Figure 15, showing the gate-lifting cam on the carriage in cooperation with a leg ofthe gate and also a detail vof the flap-sealing-roller' operating mechanism, other parts of the machine being removed; Figure 20 is a fragmentary side-elevational view of the mechanism of Figure 19; and

Figure 21 is a fragmentary detail view showing the position of the vflap-sealing roller when folding the envelope-flap over the nose of the carriage, other parts being removed.

Briefiy, it may be said that the mechanism of my invention is adapted for use with a apclcsable container, as for example, the common envelope, either with or without an address win- I frame of the machine includes a pair` of transversely spaced longitudinally parallel side-frame members or preferably sheet-metallic walls I, 2,

suitably tied and braced together and supported by means of floor-engaginglegs or posts 2, as best shown in Figures 1 and 4;

Depending from and-between the upper margins of the frame-walls I, 2, and located approximately at the central portion of the machine,

is an insert-gathering hopper A, rectangular in plan and having its long sides transversely of the machine, the ends of the hopper being formed by false-side plates I', 2', attached to the respective'frame-walls I, 2, as best seen in Figure 4.

The hopper A is surrounded by a series of insert storage-chutes comprising a pair of opposing chutes B, B', located respectively in the rear and in the front of the hopper A and supported on and between the upper marginsof the walls l, 2, and a pair of also opposing chutes B", B", located respectively on the opposite sides of the hopper A and supported on respective pairs of brackets 3, extending laterally from the framewalls, I, 2, as best seen in Figures 2 and 4, the chutes B, B', B", B".', being adapted to contain stacks of inserts, a, b, c, d,respectively, which are supported in and fed from the chutes in a manner as presently appearing.

The stack of inserts a in the chute B is supported on a series of three feed-rollers 4, disposed across the lower end of the chute B and each having its peripheral surface provided with a series of circumferentially spaced longitudinal teeth as best seen inv Figure 8. The rollers 4 are mounted on respective shafts 6, 1, each extending between and through the side walls of the chute B, the forward shaft 6 being journaled in therespective chute-walls, and the rearward shafts 'i' being shiftable in suitable slots 8 provided in the chute side-walls, as best seen in Figure 5.

Embracing the lower portion of the chute B is a horizontal U-shaped frame comprising a pair of side-arms Shaving their front ends journaled on the respective opposite ends of the shaft 6 projectin'g from the side-walls of the chute' B, the

arms 9 in turn rotarily supportingthe respective ends of the rearward shafts "I, as best seen in Figure 6.

At their rear endsA the arms 9 are connected by a transverse yoke-piece I0,'and at their respective junction with the yoke i0 the arms 9 are each equipped with a vertical threaded member or acljusting screw II, whose depending end engages the adjacent outstanding chute-wall-flange I2,

by means of which the chute B is attached to the frame walls I or 2. as the case may be,l 'and as bestseen in Figures 3 and 5. By manipulating the screw II, the arms 9 may be more or less studs I5 engaging the arm 9, for meshing with `adjacent pairs of the gears I3, whereby either or both of the gears I3 on the rearward shafts 'I may be connected with and rendered operative :for rotation by the gear I3 on the shaft 6. as best seen in Figure 5, for, again, facilitating the egress of an insert a from the chute. Y

For actuating the feed-rollers 4, a vfeeder-drive mechanism C is provided comprising a ratchet Wheel i6 mounted on an extensionl of the shaft 6, the ratchetwlieel I6 being engageable by a `pawl I1 carried on the swingable end of an arm rif) I8 sleeved as at I9V on the shaft 6, the sleeve I9 in turn carrying a pinion spaced from the arm I8, between which and the pinion 20 is re ciprocally mounted a depending slide-bar 2i,

carrying a rack 22 meshingwith the pinion20 and having a slot 23 whose walls slidably embrace the sleeve I9, as best seen in Figures 5,

6 and 7.

The depending end of the slide-bar 2I is provided with a slot 24 slidably' embracinga stub- .1;

shaft 25 projecting suitably from the adjacent frame-wall 2. On the shaft 25 is rotarily mounted a cam 26 having peripheral engagement with a roller 21 carried by the slide-baril, the latter being, biased by means of a tensional member' or spring 28 for reciprocatory movement of the slide 2 I responsive to rotary movement of the cam 26. l

The cam 26 is provided with a hub 29 on which in turn is mounted the hub 30 of a spur-gear 3 I, a suitable set-screw 3,2 being threaded through the hub 30 for impinging the cam-hub 29, whereby the angular rotative relation of ythe cam 2li with respect to the cyclic-operation of the' 'ma chine may be suitably adjusted. as may best serve the purpose. The cam 26 is of the single lobe type, and, once in each period of its revolw' tion, shifts the slide-bar 2l, upwardly in this case,vi'or, through the pawl I6 and ratchet I1, effecting rotatory actuation of the front one of the feed-rollers 4 and as many of the rearward rollers 4 as may be operatively connected ltherewith. v v

At its lower end the chute B is equipped with lreceptive sideewail extensions33, which serve to space the chute B rearwardly of the hopper A, and a shaft 34. is journaed in and through the chute wall extensions 33. forwardly of the front roller 4 of the chute B. As will presently appear, the shaft-34 is continuously rotated during the operation of the machine and carries a pinion 35 meshing with the gear 3i, the reduction-ratio between the pinion 35 and thc gear 3l being such as to effect one revolution of the cam 25 during each cycle of operation of the machine.

Between the chute-wall extensions 33 the shaft 34 caries aseres of take-cti rollers 3E which have cooperation with e. corresponding series of superposed rollers 3T mounted on a shaft 38 shiftably mounted in a slot 39 provided in the respective chute-extensions 33. The rollers 3G peripherally project a suitable distance upwardly i through a suitable feed-plate 4'3. the latter comprising an apron-portion extending upwardly from and in registration with the upper margin of the adjacent wall of the hopper A. and an inclined portion extending upwardly and rearwardly from the apron to a point adjacent the frcnt feed-roller 4'.

'.. A A gate 4I, disposed transversely in front of the chu'e B. is adjustably supported on ears 42 projecting from the front wall of the hopper B whereby the gate 4l may be vertically spaced more or less with respect to the suhjacent upper end of the feed-plate 40 for regulating the `discharge of inserts a from the hopper B responsive to periodic actuation of the feed rollers 14. Preferably also for facilitating such discharge of theinserts a from the chute B. the front and .1., rear walls. of the chute terminate at their lower i 'tained-inserts b rearwardly int-o the hopper A,

es -will be understood from Figures 1 and 2, the chute B being equipped with a feeder mechanism C differentiated from the mechanism C merely in that the cam 26' of the former mechanism is a ,set in advance' of the cam 26 of the latter mechanism for purpose presently appearing, and as best seen in Figures l and 5. v

Whereas, the chut-es B. B', discharge from their respective opposing long sides into the hopper e A, the chutes B". discharge into the hopper from their respective opposing short sides. Consequently, the respective inserts c, d, are shifted laterally endwise into the hopper A, and are supported in the respective chutes by a series cf feedi rollers 4' of similar construction to but of correspondingly diminished length and of greate.` number than those in the hopper B, for substantially closing the bottom of the chute B". or B"', as the rase may be as will be understood from Figure 6. There are seven of the rollers 4' in cach chute B", B'", in the present instance, each bed of rolers 4 beiner mouned on respeclive shaft. 62,1. supported in a horizontal U- Fhaped frame comprising a pair of arms 9' and v a connccing votze-bar lil', and having adjusting l other in the manner described for the rollers 4,

the chute B" being equipped with a roller-driving mechanism C. and the chute B"' being equipped with a mechanism C', except that the pinion-shaft 34' of each respective chute B" B"' extends through and between the side-wall extensions 33' thereof and carries a series of take-ofi rollers 36' cooperating with the superimposed series of rollers 3l'. the rollers 35i. however. being of larger diameter than the rollers 35 of the chute B. B'. The rollers 35' thus have a higher peripheral speed than the rollers 35, for the reason that. the inserts c, d. in the respective chute B'", being removed length-V ilar, the chute B'" beingl merely turned around with respect to the chute B". Other details of the chutes B", B" and mechanisms C, C' being similar in form and function to the like referenced chutes B, B'. and their mechanisms C, C", further description thereof is omitted.

At their respective opposite ends allthe shafts 34, 34', are operatively connected for unison actuation by means of a pair of miter or bevelgears 45,'as best seen in Figures 2' and 5, and

it will be seen that, as described, the cams 25 of one pair of mechanisms C', being setto discharge corresponding inserts b, d, into'the hopper A somewhat in advance of the discharge of inserts a, c, effected by the other pair of mechanisms C, and the inserts c, d, being fed into the hopper A from a higher elevation than the inserts a. b, the several inserts are neatly and without interference deposited one after the other into the hopper A, the .so-deposited inserts a, b. c, d, being supported in the hopper A on a bed of rollers 47 peripherally projecting upwardlsr through the bottom wall 4G of the hopper A; the bed of rollers 4l' being mounted on a series of, in the present instance three, shafts 4B journaled suitably in and through the frame-walls I, 2, as best seen in Figures 4 and 8.

VCooperable with the bed of rollers 4l is a second bed of rollers 49 carried by a shiftable frame 5S reciprocably mounted on transversely spaced guides 5i supported by and from the respective l inside walls of the chutes B", B'" as best seen in Figure 4. The frame 5D is equipped with a pai: of spring-boxes 52, in each of which is mounted a spring 53v for yieldingly supporting a plunger 54 having link connection as at 55 with an arm 56 projecting over the hopper A from a cross-bar 51 disposed in fron?l ot the rear chute B. the bar 57 at its opposite ends being supported on the `swingable endsof respective levers 53. which extending rearwardly alongY the opposite sides of the chute. are mounted on the respective ends of a rock-shaft 59. disposed across the rear face of the chute B and mounted in suitable brackets G0 projecting therefrom. :is best seen in Figures l and 4. A tensio'ial member or spring 6i is engaged between the bar 5l and the adjacent. front wall of the chute B for normally biasing the frame 59 in suitably elevated position above the hopper A duringr the operation of feeding thev insertsa, b; c,d,l into the hopper, as best seen in Figure 8.

The shaft 59 carries a rearward arm 62, to which is pivotally connected a depending sliderod 63 provided at its lower end with a slot E4 whose walls slidably embrace the projecting end of a shaft 65 rotarily mounted through and between the frame-walls l, 2, below the chute B, the shaft 65 carrying a gear G6 which meshes at unitary ratio with the gear 3i of the adjacent mechanism C of the chute B. as will be understood from Figures 5, 6, and 7.

Mounted on the shaft 65 is a cam 61 having peripheral engagement with a roller 68 rotatably supported on the slide-rod 63, the latter being biased by the tensional member or spring El for reciprccatory movement of the slide 62 responsive to rotation of the cam 61. The cam 6T is of the single lobe type and, once in each cyclic period of operation o the machina'shifts the slide-barY 63, upwardly in this case, for rocking 'the shaft 59 and in turn lowering the frame 58 into the hopper A, for yielding engagement of the frame-rollers 49 with the group of inserts a, b, c, d, reposing on the hopper-rollers 41, for compacting the inserts in the hopper A, as best seen in Figures l and 4.

Supported by and between the upper margins of the frame-walls I, 2, and disposed forwardly of the inserts-chute B', is a folded article storage chute D for containing a stack of folded articles e. each comprising a letter, advertising-broadside, or the like, and in any event having a ply or fold e on its under-side, which at its front margin projects forwardly of the other plies of the folded article, the fold line of the' folded article e being rearwardly presented for egress of the folded article e foldwise from the chute D. If the folded article e is in the form of a personal or addressed letter for use with a window envelope, the address is disposed on the lower face of the lower fold e', for a purpose soon appearing.

For supporting the folded articles e in the chute D, the latter is equipped with a bed of feedrollers 4" mounted in a horizontal U-shaped Y frame including the arms 9" and connecting yoke Ill, with the adjusting screws II" engaging the suitably projecting brackets I2", the rollers 4" being actuable by a mechanism C" similar to the mechanism C, except that the cam 26" of the mechanism C is set suitably for feeding a foldure c from the chute D in proper timed relation with the feeding of insertures from the chutes B, B', B", B'", as well presently appear.V The drivegear 3I" of the mechanism C" has meshing engagement with an idler gear 69 in turn meshing with the gear 3l of the mechanism C of the chute B', for unison actuation of the mechanisms C, C" and C" one with and by the other, as best seen in Figures 1 and 2.

The mechanism C" includes a series of takeei rollersY 36" mounted on the shaft 35", the rollers 36" peripherally projecting through a relatively short inclined feed-plate 40"-whose upper end has cooperation with the gate 4I" mounted on the rear wall of the chute D. The rollers 36" are surmounted by a series of rollers 31" disposed on a shaft 38" shiftably mounted in slot-s provided in the frame-walls I. 2, substantially in the manner heretofore described about the like numbered parts of the chute B and the mechanism C, and as best seen in Figures 1 and 2.

Trained over each roller 36" is a belt 10, the upper run of which extends downwardly and rearwardly to a point under the front portion of the hopper A, where the several belts are trained over a corresponding series of rollers or pulleys 1l mounted on a shaft 12 journaled in and between the frame-walls i, 2, subjaccnt to the bed of rollers 4T, the lower run of each belt 1f! returning to its particular roller 36" over a tight-ener pulley or roller 'l2' mounted suitably for the purpose adjacent the roller 36".

Flexibly engaging the upper face oi the toprun of cach beit 'iii is a gripper-strip 'i3 oi resilient material, having its upper end mounted on a rod M disposed between the rollers 3l" and the chute D, the lower end of the strip 13 being curved under the superiacent rollers 41 of the hopper A for extending rearwardly thereunder, as best seen in Figures l. 2. 4 and 8.

A folded article c, being fed at a suitable momentr from the chute D, is conveyed between the series of belts 10, and the gripper-strips 13, and is discharged onto an assembly plate 15, through which plate suitably project the respective peripheries of a bed of rollers 16, mounted on a series of shafts 11 journalcd in and between the frame-walls I, 2, and each carrying a group of the rollers 16, the plate 15 and the rollers 16 extending rearwardly under the chute B and substantially thcrebeyond, for purposes presently appearing, and as best seen in Figures l and 8.

Preferably, though not necessarily, in approximately vertical registration with the rear wall of the chute B. and supported as at 18' for adjustably shiftable movement between the framewalls I, 2, is a transverse partition wall 18, between which and the rear wall 19 of the hopper A, is a so-called assembly chamber or box E, as best seen in Figure 8. The lower margin of the partition 18 is spaced from the assembly plate 15, the opening so provided between the plate l5 and partition 18 being normally closed by a stop-gate 8U composed of a series of fingers vertically reciprocable in corresponding slots 8l provided in the partition 18, and supported by a gate-bar 82 disposed for vertical movement adjacent the rear face of the partition 1B, the ngers of the gate 86 being adapted, when in down or closed position, for entering corresponding apertures 83 suitably provided in the delivery-plate 15 for stopping or limiting the movement of a folded article e transported by the rollers 16 for impinging its folded edge against the fingers of the gate 80, as will be understood from Figure 8.

Superposed in registration, and normally having peripheral engagement, with the respective groups of rollers 16 mounted on the rst three shafts 11 preceding the partition 18, is a corresponding series of groups of rollers 84 mounted on respective shafts 85, which at their respective opposite ends project through suitable slots 86 provided in the frame-walls I, 2, and are shiftably mounted also in slots 31 provided in the correspondingly adjacent ones of a pair of arms 88 disposed at the respective opposite sides of being mounted on and connected by a shaft 89 journaled between and through the frame-walls l, 2, as best seen in Figures 2, '7 and 8.

Projecting from one of the arms 88 is a pin 90 slidably embraced by the walls of a slot 9i provided in the lower end of a slide-link 92 whose upper portion is provided with a slot 93 having its walls slidably embracing the shaft 65. The upper end of the link 92 carries a roller 534 having peripheral engagement with a cam 55 mounted the assembly-box E. the rear ends of the arms 88 on the shaft 65. a. suitably mounted tensional member 96 serving for biasing the link 92 for following the contour of the cam 95 on roi-ation thereof, as best seen in Figure 1.

rollers 84, for shiftable movement toward and from the assembly plate 15, the opposite ends of the bar 91 working in and extending through suitable slots 96 provided in the respective framewallsA 2, and beingengageable by respective arms 99 mounted on the corresponding ends of a rockshaft journaled through and between the frame-walls l, 2. At its one end, the shaft |09 carries a rearward arm |0| engageable with a, lug |02 on the lower end of the link 92, whereby the latter, when in normal down position, depresses the arm |0| for in turn, through the arms 99, .shifting the bar 91 upwardly into spaced relation from'the assembly-plate 15 for passage of a folded article e therebetween, which latter, moving between the rollers 1S and 84 until its motion is arrested by the gate 80, is disposed, on completion of its movement, with its projecting front margin of the lower fold e positioned beneath the bar 91, as best seen in Figure 8.

Extendingupwardly from each projecting end of the bar 91 is a vertical leg or post |03. Rotarily supported by and between the respective upper ends oi the posts |03 is shaft |04 disposed transversely of the assembly-box E. within which .the shaft |04 carries a series of depending arcuate lifters or lingers |01, whose lower ends normally engage or reside against the suitably chamfered upper face of the grip-bar 91, asbest seen in Figure 8.

On upward actuation of the link 92 by the cam 95, the link-slot 9| permits an initial upward movement of the link 92 relatively to the pin 90 for disengaging the link from the arm |0|, the weight of the bar 91 then causing the same to drop upon the plate 15 for gripping the margin of the fold e' prior to disengagement of the rollers 84 from the body of the folded article e, the shaft |04 and its carried litters |01 dropping so that the lower ends of the lifters are brought very close to the adjacent margin of the folded articleV e.

At its respective opposite ends the shaft |04 carries a pair of cam-arms |06 disposed in the plane of swingable movement of the respective swingable frame-arms 88, whereby the latter, on upward movement thereof, impinge the cam-arms |06 for correspondingly effecting rotation of the shaft |05, thereby swinging the'lifters |01 upwardly for engaging the folded-body e for lifting the same in following adjacence to the ascending rollers 84, thereby expanding the folds of the article e in a horizontal V-shaped manner, as may be'said the mouth of the V being presented toward the hopper A, for a purpose presently appearing, and as best seen in Figure l.

The lower margin of the rear wall 19 of the hopper A is likewise spaced from the bottom wall 46 thereof, the space between the walls 46 and 19 being normally closed by a stop-gate |08, composed of a series of pins or fingers vertically reciprocable in slots |09 suitably provided in the wall 19, the ngers of the gate |08 being supportedV by a transverse bar ||0 mounted for vertical shiftable movement adjacent the rear face of the hopper-wall 19, and being adapted when in down or closed position for entering into suitably registering apertures provided in the bottom wall 45 of the hopper A, for preventing egress of the compacted inserts a-b-c-d therefrom.

Pivotally connected to the bars H0 is a pair of upstanding links l l2 having at their upper ends a slot-and-pin connection I3 with the forward end of a lever H4, which extends rearwardly in and longitudinally of the assembly-box E, and is intermediately loosely fulcrumed on a shaft ||5 journalcd, for purposes soon appearing, in and between the frame-walls I, 2, the lever l| |4, at its rear end, having a slot-and-pin connection ||6 with a pair of links ||1 which depend to, and have pivoted connection with, the gate-bar 82, as best seen in Figure 8.

At an intermediate point of its rear arm, the lever ||4 carries a roller ||8 having peripheral engagement with a cam I9 mounted on the shaft E5. The cam ||9 is adapted, at proper intervals, during operation of the machine, to tilt the lever ||4 upwardly at its front end, for lifting or opening the gate |08, the rear end of the lever ||4 moving in the pin-and-slot arrangement |6. The cam I9 then subsequently supports the lever |4 at neutral orV horizontal position, when both `gates 80 and |08 are in down or closed pasition and thereafter the cam |9 reversely tilts the lever H4 for opening the gate` 80, the front end of the lever ||4 then moving in the slot-and-pin arrangement I3, as will be understood from Figures l and 8, the cam I |9 being effective for opening the gate |08 as the folded article e is expanded, as described, in the vassembly-box E.

The bottom-wall 49 of the hopper A is extended rearwardly therefrom, providing a platform |20 disposed in elevatedposition above the plate and over which the inserts a-b-c-d are fed by the rollers 46, 49, on opening of the gate |08. The forward margin of the platform is inclinedv downwardly-and rearwardly and terminates substantially in vertical registration with the rear edge of the grip-bar 91. A pair of groups of rollers |2|, suitably mounted on respective shafts |22 journaled in and between the frame-walls 2, peripherally project upwardly through the platform |20, the rollers |2| being cooperatively engaged by corresponding superposed groups of rollers |23 mounted on respective shafts |24 shiftably mounted in suitable slots |25 provided in the respective frame-walls I, 2. The inserts a-b-c-d, on emerging from the hopper A, are engaged between the rollers |2|, |23, for movement over the platform |20 and into the expanded article e for reposing on the lower fold e thereof, as seen in Figure 1.

The shaft ||5 carries a series of goose-neck arms |26 extending forwardly and then downwardly in the assembly-box E, the swingable end of each arm |26 carrying an adjustably mounted pusher or plate |21 the arm |25 being normally retracted by a spring |26 to a position between the shafts |24 in upward spaced relation from the platform |20. The shaft I5 is extended through the frame-wall 2 and carries an arm |28, pivotally connected to a slide-bar |29 having a slot |30 whose walls slidably embrace the shaft 65, the bar |29 carrying a roller |3| having peripheral the pushers |21 into engagement with the inserts a-b-c-d for completing the feeding movement thereof into the expanded article e the arms |26 passing through suitable slots |32 in the platform |20, in which slots |32, also, the lifters |01, are adapted to reside when in down position, as best seen in Figures 3 and 8.

Approximately at the time the pushers |26 reach their extreme rearward position for depositing the inserts a--b-c-d, in the article e, `the cam 95 acts for lowering the rollers 84, thereby folding or closing the article e upon its contents, the litters |01 meanwhile being retracted from the article e, and the grip-bar 91 being lifted from the margin of the flap e'. The rollers 84 yieldingly engage the article e upon its contained inserts, the whole becoming compacted between the rollers and 84 and forming the envelopeenclosure f, as will presently more particularly be described. Y

Meanwhile the cam ||9 acts for closing the gate |08 and then opens the gate 80 for allowing the inclosure f to be moved by the rollers 16 and 84 past the partition and onto a stuiferplate 15 forming an extension of the plate 15, the earn ||9 acting for 4closing the gate 80 after the inclosure f has passed thereunder onto the plate 15'. I'he plate 15' is extended rearwardly beyond the partition wall 18 and is coterminous with the vertical margin |33 of a break or drop in the contour of the respective frame-side walls 2. a vertical partition-wall |34 beingrmounted a suitable distance forwardly of and between the wall-margins |33 for dening, between thesidewalls l, 2. and the partition walls 18, and |34, a so-called stuler-box F. The terminal pair of the groups of rollers 16 disposed in stuffer-box F are more widely' spaced than the others and are respectively disposed adjacent the partition walls 18 and |34, also respectively, of the stuffing-box, the terminal pair of groups of rollers 16 being surmounted by corresponding groups of shiftable rollers |35 mounted on respective Y shafts |36 whose opposite ends work in suitable slots |31 provided in the side-walls, 2, as best seen in Figure 15.

The lower margin of the partition |34 is spaced from the plate 15', the partition |34 being equipped with a stop-gate |38 comprising a series of fingers vertically rcciprocable in slots |39 provided in the partition |34, the fingers of the gate |38 being supported by a transverse bar |40 mounted for vertical shiftable movement adjacent the rear face of the partition |34. The ngers of the gate |38 are adapted, when the gate is in down position, for entering a :uitable series of registering apertures |4| provided in the plate 15 for normally effecting closure of the gap between the plate and the partition |34, as best seen in Figures 15 and 18.

'Ihe gate |38 is, by means presently appearing, lifted or opened as the inclosure f passes between the rollers 16 and |35 through the stufferbox F, for movement of the inclosure f onto a so-called inclosure-receptive stuler-pan |42 extending or projecting rearwardly from the frame-margin |33. At its rear margin the pan |42 is provided with an arcuate cut-out |43, as best seen in Figure 2, the pan |42 at its opposite side margins being provided with spaced triangular upstanding envelope-expanders or wedgeshaped side walls |44 which, merging at their rear ends into the pan |42, extend their upper margins incliningly forwardly and upwardly a suitable height until they meet the partition |34, as best seen in Figure'l'.

Thestuffer-pan |42 is disposed in the horizontal plane of the 'stutter-plate 15', and the pan-sides |44 are extended as side-bars or guidewalls |44 forwardly over the plate 15' into the stuffing-chamber F, the pan-extensions |44' being detachably supported from the side-walls 2, by means of suitable fastening elements |45 passed through the walls I, 2, for engaging spacer elements |46 attached to the pan extensions |44 as best seen in Figures 15 and 18.

Within the chamber' F, the plate 15 is provided with a series of longitudinal slots |41, through which is shiftable a corresponding series of pusher-heads |48, each at its rear end terminating in an arcuate face for engaging an inclosure f reposing on the plate 15'. At its front end each head |48 is curved obliquely downwardly for merging into a slide-bar 49, the series of bars |49 being tied together in unitary relation by a pair of spaced transverse rods |50. Each lbar |49 is provided with a longitudinal slot |5I, whose walls reciprocably and sldingly engage a pair of longitudinally spaced transverse rods |52 mounted between the frame walls 2,

beneath the rollers 16, the slot |50 at its rear end being provided with an upward and rearward oblique extension |53, as best seen in Figure 15.

The series of bars |49 are reciprocable in unison over the rods |5| from extreme rearward to extreme forward positions by a means presently to appear. It may here be said, however, that when the bar |49 is shifted to extreme forward position, the rear one of the rods |52 engages the walls of the slot-extension |53, thereby causing the bar |49 to dip for shifting the head |48 forwardly and downwardly through the slots |41 for withdrawing the head |48 from the plate 15, as best seen in Figure 1, for permitting passage of the inclosure f thereover, and when the bar |49 is shifted to extreme'rear position, the rods |52 engage the walls of the slot |5| for disposing the bar |49 in horizontal position, the heads 48 then being extended upwardly through the slots |41 in the plate 15 for projecting rearwardly thereover and between the same and the partition |34, as shown in Figure 15, for effecting iinal shifting movement of the inclosure f onto the pan |42.

Suported suitably by and between the framewalls I, 2, at the extreme forward end of the machine, is an envelope storage-chute G, for receiving a stack of envelopes h, the envelopes h being disposed in the chute G with their flaps h on their under side and pointed forwardly. At its rear margin the bottom wall |54 of the chute G is provided with a triangular shaped cut-out |55, through which depends they flaph.' of the bottom envelope in the chute, as best seen in Figure 9, At their respective lower ends the front and rear walls of the chute G are inclined obliquely rearwardly, the front wall of the chute G having a gate 4| similar to the gate 4I of the chute B, as best seenin Figure l.

Disposed 'subjacent to the chute G is a transverse track-plate |56, having at its opposite side margins a pair-of longitudinal raised ribs or cam-tracks |51. Working over the respective Y tracks |51. and having their upper runs moving rearwardly thereover. is a pair of endless rollerchains |53 trained. in turn, over respective pairs of front and rear sprockets |59, |60, also respectively. the sprockets 59, |58, being supporte-:l on corresponding front and rear shafts |5|, |62, journaled in and between the frame walls 2, as best seen in Figures l and l2.

At suitable equal intervals of their length, the chains |58 support a series of four feeder members H, each comprising a transversely registering pair of special link attachments or opstanding side-plaies |53, respectively forming an inside link of the pair connecting a corresponding pair of rollers |63' 0f the particular chain |58, each registering pair of side-plates |63 being connected at their upper margins by a transverse slipper-bar |84, having at its rear margin an upwardly inclined lip |65. adapted, on movement of the feeder H rearwardly under the chute G, for entering into and between the bottom envelope h in the chute G and the flap h' thereof which depends through the 'opening |55. as seen in Figure 9.

Also at its upper margin, each plate |63 is equipped with a pair of longitudinally spaced inwardly-projecting front and rear pivot-pins er studs |66, |51, respectively. disposed on the opposite sides of the slipper-bar |644. Pivoted on the respective studs |56 `is a pair of grip-levers 168,1'espectively extending approximately horizontally vrearwardly under the slipper |54 for supporting a transverse gripper-bar |69 disposed in vertical registration with the slipper lip |55, each lever |68 being provided with a depending trip arm |18 disposedopposite its pivot` |66, for a purpose shortly appearing.

Pivoted on each stud |61 is an approximately vertical latch-lever |1| having a depending arm provide-d with a. catch |12, the lever |1| being adapted normally for engaging the end of the grip-lever B8 for retaining the same in depressed position for widely spacing the grip-har |59 from the slipper-lip |65, a tensional member or spring |13 being engaged between the'levers |68 and |1| for biasing the same mutually one toward the other. and a stop |13 being provided on the plate |63 for limiting the movement of the lever l1 I, as seen in Figures 9 and ll. Projecting from the respective frame-walls I, 2, is a pair of trip-bars |14. disposed in the path of movement of the upper arm of the respectiveV levers |1|, whereby the latter, moving responsively to actuation of the chains |58. are caused to impingo the trips |14 for oscillation of the latch-levers |1| for releasing the grip-levers |68, the latter then. under bias of the springs |13, being actuated for snapping the grip-bar |59 upwardly into engagement with the envelope flap IL for gripping the same between the bar |59 and thc lower face of the slipper-*lip |65, the latter then residing in the crotch of the envelope h, and the envelope IL then being secured to the feeder H for withdrawal ol' the envelope from the storage-chute G, on ensuing rearward travel oi the feeder.

Each of the cam tracks |51 comprises, from front to rear, a horizontal elevated portion |51 and a horizontal depressedY portion |51", a` suitably mounted roller |14' being provided adjacent the drop between the portions |51"and |51", and the drop being disposed in such position that the leading one of the pair of rollers |63', in cooperation with the roller |14', drops onto the depressed track-portion |51" while the following roller of the pair is yet on the track-portion |51', whereby the feeder H is tilted rearwardly. approximately at the time the latch-levers !1| engage the tripbars |14 for releasing the levers |68. for thus dipping the leading eege of the envelope h below the gate 4|"' as best seen in Figure 10.

As a particular feeder H and its carried envelope h passes over the rear sprockets |63 to approximate registration with the horizontal axis thereof, the arms |10 of the levers |58 engage respective, suitably mounted. trip-roilers |15, as will be understood from Figure 13. whereby, on further movement of the carriage H around the sprockets |68, the levers |63 are oscillated for again widely spacing the grip-bar |69 from the slipper-lip |65, the levers |1| again. in turn, having latching cooperation with the levers |58. as shown by dot-dash lines in Figure 13.

Meanwhile, as the feeder H passes over the sprockets |60, the body-portion ci the envelope h is turned over from horizontal position with its flap h' on the underside of the envelope to substantially inverted position with the mouth of the envelope on its upper side and the flap h' opened r-r expanded Vmore or less forwardly, as shown by dot-dash lines in Figure 13.

A bed of continuously revolving rollers |16, eX- tending rearwardly inthe machine and mounted en respective shafts |11 journaled suitably in and between the lower-portion of the frame-walls 2, has its initial rollers |16 disposed in rear of and below the sprockets |50, the roller |16' being dis- '"5 posed in the path of movement oi a so-called drop-roller |18 supported by and between a pair of rearwardly extending arms |19 mounted on a shaft |88 journaled in and between the framewalls 2. approximately under the hopper A, as

mounted on a stub-shaft |84 projecting from the wall the cam |83 being adapted for normally sustaining the roller |18 in elevatedV position as shown by dot-clash lines in Figure l, so that the envelope h may readily pass thereunder during the turn-over movement of the envelope.

As the envelope h passes under the roller |18, the cam |83 acts for dropping the roller |18 in following relation to the descending envelope h. for engaging the saine between the roller |16' and |18, whereby the envelope h is drawn away from the feeder H as the grip-bar |69 releases the flap h', the latter sliding out from under the feederlip |65, in stretched-out or following relation to the body of the envelope IL, as best seen in Figure 1.

The envelope h. is then transported rearwardly in the machine over the bed ot' continuously revolving rollers |16, the latter extending under the hopper A, assembly-box E, and stuier-box F, to a suitable point rearwardly of, and in a plane below, the stuffcr-pan |42, as best seen in Figures 1 and 15.

Supported by and between the frame walls I, 2.

is a transverse threshold plate or bar |85 disposed approximately in horizontal alignment with. and rearwardly adjacent to, the terminal roller |16" of the series of rollers |15. A transverse gatebar |86 is mounted for vertical shiftable movement adjacent the rear margin of the plate |85,

and at its respective opposite ends is supported by a pair of levers |81, which extend forwardly in the machine adjacent to, and are pivotedly supported as at |88 by, the respective frame-walls, 2, each' lever |81 including a depending arm |81 carrying a roller |89 having peripheral engagement witha cam |95 mounted on a shaft |9| iournalcd in and between the lower portion of the respectivf` frame-wall."I l. 2. as best seen m Figures l5 and 18.

Adjacent their swim-able ends the respective levers |81 are provided with registering slots |92, in and between which is mounted a shaft |53 carrying a roller |94 dspceed in vertical registration with the roller |15". Normally, the cam |90 acts for sustaining the gate-bar |85 in closed or elevated position projcctingly above the bar |85, the roller |95 then being likewise lifted in vertical spaced reationto the roller |15"A for movement of an envelope therebetween, as best seen-in Figure 15, the envelope, however, being stopped with its leading margin impinging the gate |86. At a suitable period of the cycle of operation of the machine, however, the cam |95 acts for dropping the gate |86 below the level of the bar |85, the roller |94 then likewise dropping for yieldingly engaging the envelope, as h, between the rollers |15" and E94, for feeding the same over the bar |85 and rearwardly onto a cariiage K disposed, at such time, in horizontal registration with bed of rollers |15, as best seen in Figure 1.

- The carriage K comprises a iiat bed |95 having at its longitudinal side-margins suitably dependl. ing side walls |96, |91,.respectively, and at its front margin being provided with a transverse, bulgingly depending, or rounded nose-wall |98. the latter at its lower margin merging into a rccessed transverse pocket |99. as best seen in Figures 15 and 1'?.

Mounted through and between the side-walls |96, |91, is a transverse shaft 205. Mounted on the respective opposite ends of the shaft 290 is a pair of diametrically aligned rectangular hubinembers 25|, each of which is slidably engaged by a pair of spaced opposing parallel guide-walls 292 outstanding from the base portion of a gooseneck shaped crank 203, the latter having, in registration with the pair lof wails 202, an elongated slot 205 whose walls slidingly engage the shaft 205, as best seen in Figures 17 and 19.

The base of the crank 293 extends laterally from the shaft 2GB, and at its extremity carries a goose-neck arm 283' which returns over in spaced relation to the bas-.e of the crank 253. providing a riot 203 therebetween. for a purpose shortly appearing. Rotarily supported by and between the free ends of the ar s 203 is a shaft 205 carrying a nap-pressing roller 205. the axis of the roller 205 being disposed in alignment with the extended axis of the slot 204 in he base el' thel crank 203, a pair of suitable tcnsional members or springs 291 being mounted between the shafts 20|) and 255, at the respective opposite ends thereof, for biasing the roller 295 on the bed i 95, as best seen in Figure 17.

At an end projecting from the carriage wall |91, the shaft 255 is equipped with a pinion 208, which has meshing cooperation with a rack 259 mounted on a rearwardy extending slide-bar 2|U. The slide-bar 215 at its front end has a longitudinal slot 2| l whose walls slidingly engage the shaft 200, and at its rear end, the bar 2|9 is provided with a longitudinal slot 2|2 whose walls have sliding engagement with the projecting end of a shaft 2 I3 journaled through and between the carriage sidewalls |96, |91, adjacent the rear end of the carriage K, as best seen in Figures 16 and 1'1, the shaft 2 |3 being continuous'y rotated by means of a flexible shaft SI5 connected to a suitable driving agency, as presently appearing.

A cam 2 I4 is mounted on the shaft 2 |3, and has peripheral cooperation with a roller 2|5 mounted on the slide-bar 2 l il, a tensional member or spring Zl being suitably mounted for biasing the slidebar 2 l5 on the cam 2M, which latter, at the time of deposit of the envelope IL on the carriage K, has previously acted for shifting the slide-bar 2|D to extreme rear position, the iiap pressing roller 205 being then engaged with the bed |95 at a suitable disianee rearwardly of the front margin of the bed as will be understood from Figure 17. Y

Also mounted on the shaft 2|3 is a cam 2|1,

having peripheral cooperation with a roller 2|8 L carried by an arm 3|!) mounted on a transverse shaft 220 journaled in suitable bearings 22| upstanding from the bed |95, a suitably mounted tensional member or spring 222 serving for biasing the roller 2|8 on the cam 2|1, as best seen in 225. for a purpose presently appearing, and as best. Il.'

seen in Figures 16 and 1.7.

At the time the carriage K is in horizontal registration with the rollers |16, however, the cam 2|1 has acted for lifting the arms 223, which, in turn. have engaged the opposite ends of the shaft 255 for lifting the roller 205 upwardly from the bed |95, thereby permiting ensuing movement of the envelope h therebetween under bias of the rollers |15", |95, responsive to lowering of the gate |86, as best seen in Figure 1. Y

Upstandng from the respective side-margins of the bed |95. forwardly of the shaft 220, is a pair of bearings 221 which rotarily support a transverse shaft 228, having. at its end projecting over the side-wall |91, an arm 229 carrying a roller 23|) which has peripheral cooperation with a cam 23| mounted on the shaft 2|3, a suitable tensional member or spring 232 serving for biasing the roller 230 on the cam 23|, as best seen in Figures 161 and 17.

Mounted on the shaft 228 is a forwardly projecting grip-plate 233 provided, adjacent its forward s'wingable margin, with a series of depending fingers 234 shiftably working in a corresponding series of apertures 235 provided transversely in the bed |95, as best seen in Figure l5.

The cam 23| is adapted. at the time the carriage K is in position for receiving the envelope h, for lifting the grip-plate 233 so as to dispose its forward margin in upwardly spaced relation to the bed |95, the fingers 235 then rising above the bed |95 for providing a series of stops against which the leading edge of the envelope h is impinged as it is fed to the carriage K, with the front margin of the grip-plate 233 overhanging the rear margin of the envelope, the flap h' at such time being forwardly extended from the envelope h. under the drop rollers |94, as will be understood from Figure l.

At its rear end the carriage K is provided with ifi a depending box-like leg 23'6, fr'om'thcopposite lower corners of which forwardly extends a pair of respective slide-bars 231, each having a longitudinal slot 238 whose walls slidingly engage a pair of longitudinally spaced rollers 239, each pair of rollers 239 being supported from and by the adjacent one of a pair of side-frames 240 upstanding from the opposite side-margins of a platform 24| of a vertically reciprocable elevator-frame L, as best seen in Figures 1, l and 16, whereby the carriage K is shiitably supported for longitudinal reciprocation on the elevator L, for a purpose presently appearing.

Each of the side-frames 24!) is. provided with a pair of longitudinally spaced substantially rectangular apertures 242, the walls of each aperture 242 enclosing the correspondingly adjacent ones of suitably formed eccentrics or cams 243 disposed on therespective ends of a pair of transverse shafts 244 mounted in and through the respective apertures 242 of the side-frames 246, each side-f rame 242 being equipped with vertical guides 242', arranged in spaced pairs each slidably embracing a respective shaft 244, for guiding the elevator L in its vertical reciprocatory movement, as bestscen in Figures and 16.

At their respective opposite ends the shafts 244 are rotarily supported in and on respective bearing standards 245 upstanding from a base-plate 246 supported by and between the lower margins of the frame walls 2, each of the shafts 244 being equipped with a pinion 241 having meshing cooperation with respective racks 248 mounted on a slide-bar 249 provided with a pair of spaced slots 250, the walls of the respective slots 250 having sliding cooperation with the also respective shafts 244.

The barv 249 extends forwardly from the elevaor L, and at its forward end is provided with a slot 25| whose walls slidingly engage the shaft I9 I, the front end of the bar 249 carrying a roller 252 having peripheral cooperation with a cam 253 mounted on the shaft |9I. A suitably mounted tensional member 'or spring 254 serves for biasing 'the roller 252 on the cam 253, as best seen in Figure l, the cam 253 being adapted, at a suitable moment of operation of the machine. for rotating the eecentrics 243 to down position, the elevator L being then in lowered" position for disposing the carriage K in position for receiving the envelope ii from the bed of rollers |16, as best seen in Figure 1.

After the envelope is deposited on the carriage K, the cam 23| acts for lowering the grip-plate 233 on the envelope h for gripping the same at its rear margin on the bed |95, whereupon the cam 256 acts for reciprocating the bar 249 for rotating the eccentrics 243 angularly 180 degrees from dov.'n" position to up position as shown f vin Figure 15, for lifting the elevator L to raised position, the elevator L in turn upra'ising the carriage K until the bed |95 is disposed in a plane slightly below that of the stuier pan |42.

A; the carriage K is upraised the cam |90 acts for lifting or closing the gate |86, the envelope-Hap fr being meanwhile drawn out from between the rollers |16". |94, and by such movement, folded over the front end of the carriage K. The cam 2|1, in the inierim, acts for lowering the arms 223 for returning the roller 206 toward the bed |95 for engaging the envelope h thereon, the cam 2|4 then acting for revolving the arms 203 for causing the roller 206, under bias of the spring 261, to pass over the front end or noso |98 of the carriage K, i or wrapping the flap h' thcrcover,` the roller 206 coming to rest while yet in contact with the ap 71, at the lower end of the nose |98, as best seen in Figure 21.

Pivotally connected, as at 255', to the leg 236 of the carriage K, is a link 255, which extends forwardly, and is pivotally connected to the upper swingable end ofa lever 256 whose lower end is pivotally supported on a bracket 251 upstanding from the base-plate 246, best seen in Figure l, the lever 256, at an intermediate point, carrying a roller 258 which has peripheral cooperation with a cani 259 mounted on the shaft ii, a suitably mounted spring 265] serving for biasing the roller 258 on the cam 259, as best seen in Figure 15.

The cam 259 is adapted for shifting the carriage K forwardly on the elevator L Yas the latter reaches'its raised position, the cam 2i1 meanwhile lifting the levers 223 for spacing the gripknob 226 upwardly from the bed |95, until the carriage K resides substantially under the stuiferpan |42, the latter then overlapping the carriage K for entering and widely expanding the mouth of the carriage-supported envelope :'L, the lower front wall of the envelope h residing between the pan |42 and the bed |95, and the upper "back" wall of the envelope spanning across the upper margins of the flanges |44 of the stuffer-pan |42, as best seen in Figure l5.

Y At such time, a pair of lugs 26|, disposed respectively on the opposite sides of the forward end of the carriage K, engage a corresponding pair of gate-legs 262 depending respectively from the opposite ends of the gate bar |46, as best seen in Figures 19 and 20, for lifting the gate |38, whereby, as the envelope h is opened or spread upon the pan |42, the enclosure f from the stuierbox F is fed to the pan |42, under bias of the rollers 16, |35, the pushers |48 meanwhile being rearwardly shifted for inserting the enclosure f fully into the envelope h. The pushers |48 are actuated at the proper time, in such rearward movement, by means of a pair or cams 263 mounted respectively on the opposite ends of the shaft i9| and having peripheral cooperation with rollers 264 carried by respective levers 265, each .1;

lever 265 at its rearward end being pivotally supported, as at 266, on and by an adjacent framewall 2, as the case may be,- and as best seen in Figure 18.

Each lever 265 is biased by a spring 261 for following the cam 263, and at its forward free end is pivotally connected to the lower end of an arcuate link 268, provided with a longitudinally arcuate slot 269 whose walls have sliding engagement with a particular shaft |11 of thebedrof rollers |16, the respective upper ends of the pair of links 268 being connected, by other respective links 210, with the opposite ends oi the rear one of the tie-rods |59 of the bank of pusher-slidebars |49, as best seen in Figure 15.

Depending from the stuifer-plate 15' approximately under the partition |34, is a transversely disposed sponge-box 21|, containing a suitable water absorption material 212, as a sponge, a body of felt, or the like. A conduit or pipe 213, disposed through the sponge-box 21|. is provided with a series of suitable outlet apertures 214, and at its opposite ends extends through the respective frame-walls 2, and supports. on respective suitably upturned stem-portions 213 of the conduit 213, a pair of water-reservoirs 215, for maintaining the sponge 212 in moistened condition, as best seen in Figure 15.

At its rear side, the sponge-box 21|'is closed by a transverse shiftable wall or mask 216, concave (itl in cross-'section complementary to the nose |98 of the carriage K, and having a series of elongated apertures or slots 211, arranged in a `Vshaped alignment as best seen in Figure 18, for conforming to the contour of the glued or adhesive-bearing margin of the triangular envelope-Hap h' supported on the carriage nose |98.

As the carriage K approaches the forward terminus of its stroke, the cam 2M acts for retracting the roller 206 into the pocket |99 ofV the carriage K, thus releasing the envelope flap IL' as the latter is engaged between the nose |98 and the mask 215, the mask 216 yielding to such engagement for compressing the sponge 212, thereby causing the egress,y through the apertures 211, of a sufiicient amount of water for moistening the gumrned margin of the ap h' as best seen in Figure 15.

At 'the completion of the envelope-stufng operation, the cams 263 act for withdrawing the pushers |48 from the stuffer-pan |42, and the cam 2|1'actuates the levers 223 for dropping the grip-knob 226 toward the bed |95, the cutout |43 being provided in the pan |42 for per-V mitting the envelope h and its contained enclosure f to bel gripped on the carriage K between the knob ,226 and the bed |95, for eecting subsequent withdrawal of the enclosure f from the pan |42. Y

The cam 259 then actuates the carriage K rearwardly on the elevator L, the carriage K, in

its movement from the stutter-pan |42, removing the enclosure-stuffed envelope h therefrom, and, meanwhile, releases the gate-legs 2642 for dropping the gate |38 to closed position. As the carriage K clears the pan |42, the cam 2|4 acts `for revolving the arms 203 upwardly, the roller 206 then emerging from the carriage-pocket |99, and, engaging the moistcned flap h from beheath, folds the same upwardly and over the mouth of the envelope lL and meanwhile firmly presses and seals the flap h on the envelope h, the several parts taking their respective positions shomi in Figure 17.

M designates a take-off mechanism comprising a pair of front and rear brackets 218, 219, respectively, upstanding from the frame-wall at the rear end of the machine, as best seen in Figures l and 2. Journaled in and between the brackets 218, 219, is a pair of upper and lower superposed shafts 280, 28|, respectively, the upper shaft 280 being shiftable in slots 282 provided in the respective brackets 218, 219.

A pair of normally peripherally engaged upper and lower take-off rollers 283, 284, mounted respectively on the like respective shafts 280, 28|, have their meeting plane disposed for horizontal registration thereof with the top of the bed |95 when the carriage K is in upraised position, the carriage K, at the conclusion of its rearward stroke on the elevator L, being disposed in transverse registration with the mechanism M, as will be understood from Figure 2.

A pair of bell-cranks 285 is pivotally mounted on the shaft 280, at the respective opposite ends of the upper roller 283, one or the upper arm of each bell-crank 285 extending over the path of movement of the carriage K, and at its swingable end having a vertical slot 286. Between the upper arms of the crank 285 is disposed a pair of rollers 281 mounted on a shaft 288 whose opposite ends are sbiftably engaged in the respective slots 286.

' Normally a pair of springs 289, engaged between the swingable ends of the respective cranks 285 and a corresponding pair of standards 290 upstanding from the brackets 216, 219, as best seen in Figure l, serve for yieldingly elevating the rollers 281 in suitably spaced relation to the plane of movement of the bed |95 of the carriage K, suitable stops 29| being engaged by the cranks 285 for limiting the upward movement thereof, as best seen in Figure 16.

The bed plate |95 is provided with a pair of longitudinally spaced transverse slots 292, posiioned so as to be overlain by the envelope h on the carriage K and adapted to be in registration with the rollers 281 when the carriage is in its rearward position.

A pair of rollers 293 mounted interiorly the walls of the carriage K. in registration with the respective slots 292, is mounted on a. shaft 294 journaled in the swingable end of a frame 295 whose other end is pivotally supported on a shaft 296 journaled in a, suitable hanger 291 depending from the bed |95, as best seen in Figure 16.

At its rear end the shaft 294 carries a pinion 298 meshing with a gear 299 on a shaft 296', the latter being rearwardly extended through a second hanger 300 depending from the bed |95, the shaft 296' at its rear end carrying a bevel pinion 30| meshing with a bevel-gear 302 on the shaft 2|3, as best seen in Figure 15, whereby the rollers 293 have continuous rotation by and with the shaft 2|3.

Reciprocable in and through the carriage side walls |96, |91, isv a cam-bar 303, carrying an upstanding cam-lug 304 for engaging the swingable end cf the roller-frame 295. One end of the bar 303 is extended through the side-wall |91 and has suitable slot-and-pin connection, as at 305, with the front end of a lever 306, mounted for swingable movement in a horizontal plane, and intermediately pivoted on a bracket 301 projecting laterally from the carriage K, the lever 306 at its rear end carrying a conical roller 308 cooperating with a face-cam 309 mounted on the shaft 2|3l as best seen in Figures 2 and 16.

At its other end the bar 303 is extended through the carriage side-wall |96, and is adapted to be disposed, when the carriage K is in its rearward raised position, in registration with a yoke-bar 3|0 extending between and connecting the lower ends of the depending arms of the cranks 285, the yoke 3|0 being disposed for swingable movement under the lower take-off roller 284, as best seen in Figure 16.

At the conclusion of the stroke of the carriage K, the cam 2|1 acts for lifting the levers 223 for raising the roller 206 from the envelope h while also releasing the envelope from the grip of theknob 226, the goose-neck arm 203' being then lifted above the plane of the bed |95 so that the envelope h may, in its subsequent movement laterally from the carriage K, move through the slot 203" of the crank 203. At the same time, the cam 23| acts for lifting the grip-plate 233 from the envelope, as shown by dot-dash lines in Figure 1'1.

Following these operations, the cam 309 acts for shifting the bar 303 for engaging its cam-lug 304 with the frame 295 for lifting the rollers 293 peripherally through the slots 292 into engagement with the now released envelope It on the bed |95, while at the same time, the bar 303 engages the yoke 3 i0 for swinging the bell-cranks 285, 'for dropping the rollers 281 toward the carriage K and into yielding engagement with the envelope h, the latter being then engaged between the rollers 281 and 293, as will be understood from the dot-dash lines in Figure 16.

Under bias of the rollers 281, 293, the nowsealed envelope h is shifted laterally off the carriage K into engagement with and between the take-olf rollers 283, 284, which latter serve to remove the envelope from the machine for delivery of the envelope to any convenient place, as a storage chute, a stamp-afhxing machine or the like, f not shown) l As soon as the envelope has been discharged from the rollers 281, 293, the cam 295 acts for lowering the elevator L, for again disposing the carriage K in registration with the bed of rollers 21B, the several parts of the machine beingthen 'restored to their respective positions, as shown in 4FigureY 1, for repetition of another cycle of operations of the machine.

For effecting actuation of the several parts of the machine, any suitable motivating agent may be provided, as an electric-motor 3|| supported on a bracket 3|2 extending from the frame wall 2, the motor 3| working through a speed-reducer 3|3, as best seen in Figure 2, for connection with the shaft |9 for driving the shaft |9| at the rate of one revolution per cycle of operations of the machine. Y

p The end o'f the shaft |9|, extending through the frame-wall is connected, as at 3|4, to one end of a suitably mounted flexible-drive shaft 3| 5, whose other end is suitably connected, as at 3|6, to the shaft 2|3 of the carriage K, whereby the shaft 2|3 is rotated in synchronism with other parts ofthe machine while the carriage K may readily partake of its several shifting movements required during the operation of the machine, as best seen in Figure 2.

VA sprocket-chain 3|1 is run from a sprocket 3|8 on the shaft |9| to a suitable sprocket 319 mounted on the gear 3|", of the folded articlefeeder mechanism C", at a one-to-o'ne ratio for effecting actuation of-the several mechanisms C, C', C", and the envelope-feeders H, as hereinbefore described, the chain 3|1 passing also over a sprocket 320 attached to the cam |83 which actuates the drop-roller |18, as indicated in Figure l.

For actuating the several banks of rollers of the machine, a drive-pulley 32|, mounted on the shaft ISI, has vertical belt connection, as at 322, with a pulley 323' mounted on one of the roller shafts |11, this particular shaft driving the other shafts |11 by means of pulleys 324 engaged by a longitudinal belt 325, as indicated in Figure 18.

In turn, one of the shafts 11 is equipped with a pulley 328 having a vertical belt connection A321 with a pulley 328 mounted on a subjacent shaft |11, this particular shaft 11 driving the other shafts 11 by means of a similar arrangement of pulleys 329 and longitudinal belt 330, as indicated in Figures 4 and 7. l

The hopper feed roller-shafts 48 are equipped with pinions 33| meshing with intermediate idlers 332, one of which latter meshes with a pinion 333 on the subjacent shaft 11. Similarly, the hopper take-off roller-shafts |22 are equipped with pinsuitable longitudinal guide strips 338 may be mounted on the respective frame-walls, 2, for guiding the envelopes valong the rollers |16, as seen in Figure li. Similarly, guide-strips 339 may be provided for guiding the folded articles c over the rollers 16, and other guides V348 may be provided Ior guiding the inserts a-b--c-d over the platform |20, as best seen in Figure 3. It will be borne in mind that envelope-expanders or stuifer-pans, M2, of different widths are employed for different sizes of envelopes and enclosures, the extensions |46' of the stufer-pan |32 acting as guides for an enclosure f during its movement through the stutter-box F. The several above mentioned guides may be attached to the frame or other walls of the machine in a manner similarly as described for the pan-extensions |44', so that, by varying the thickness of the spacers between the several walls and the guides, the latter may be set more or less inwardly from the several walls for narrowing or widening the channel between the guides, as circumstances may require.

The shaft 28| of the take-off mechanism M is provided with a bevel-pinion, 34| which meshes The use and operation of my improved mechanism for assembling and inserting inclosures in envelopes may be briey summarized as follows,-

Since the machine operates continuously. a

cycle, of operation of the machine may, for the l purpose of description, be dened as the operations taking place from the time one envelope h is discharged from the bedof rollers |16 onto the carriage K, to the time the next succeeding envelope is so delivered to the carriage K.

Figure 1 represents the beginning of such a cycle. As will be seen, an envelope h is being delivered to the carriage K from the rear end of the bed of rollers |16, and another envelope h has been deposited on the front end of the bed of rollers H, and still another envelope h is being drawn from the chute G by a feeder H; thus the machine may operate on three envelopes h at the same time.

Likewise, as will be seen from Figure l, a folded article e is disposed in expanded position in the assembly-box E while yet another folded article e isbeing fed to the belts 18 from the chute D; thus the machine may be operating on two of the articles e at the same time.

And, at the same time indicated in Figure l, a group of inserts a-b-c-d is being fed from the hopper A to the expanded article c, the inserts having been previously fed from the respective chutes B, B', B". B'". to the hopper A, and compacted therein by the rollers 49.

Shortly after the time indicated in Figure 1, a second group of inserts a-b-c-d will be started from the chutes. B. B', B", B", toward theY hopper A, and, thus, the machine may be operating on two groups of the inserts at the same time, one of the inserture groups, however, being embraced by an article e for forming the envelope-inclosure cn the pan |42, as shown in Figure l5, at which time also, it may be said an envelope h will be expanded on the pan |42, another envelope will be on its way over the rollers |16, and still another envelope will be passing over the sprockets |68.

The next stage of the cycle is shown by dotdash lines in Figures 16 and 1'7, wherein the stuffed envelope h, having been removed with its inclosure j from the pan M2 and the flap h' of the envelope having been sealed by the roller 286, is new in process of removal from the machine. At this time. also, an envelope on the rollers H6 will be approaching the gate 86. the envelope passing over the sprocket IES Will have been inverted in readiness for deposit on the rollers VEB. a folded article e will be in process of expansion in the assembly-box E, and a group of inserts a-b-c-d will be disposed in the hopper A in readiness for discharge therefrom. On ensuing discharge of the envelope from the machine, this particular cycle is completed and the parts revert to their several positions of Figure l.

It will be seen that my invention accomplishes its object. in a highly efcient and practicable manner. I rirght add that, in one commercial use of the machine, the folded article e may comprise a personal letter including an address, and the envelope it may be of the window type, wherein a. transparency is provided in the front or face wall of the envelope.

It becomes an objectof my invention, in such event, to bring the address on the folded article e into registration with the window of the envelope 7L, and, for the furtherance of such object, the letter comprising the folded article c is folded With the address disposed on the outside face of the longer fold c' of the letter-article e, the body of the letter being comprised in the other shorter flap or flaps thereof, depending upon the dimensions of the letter-sheet. As will be readily understood, the envelope h, is disposed o'n the carriage K with its face-side down. Hence when .the envelope h is mounted on the pan M2, the Window of the envelope will be on the underside of the pan, and. since the letter ap c is fed to the pan |42 on the underside of the inclosure f, the address of the letter. if properly placed thoreon when writing the letter, will be in registration with the window of the envelope.

If desired, the chute D may, instead of the folded articles e, contain a stack of address-bearing cards, or other articles not necessarily of the folded type, the respective cards being disposed in the *chute D With the address on the under-face of the card. In such case, when a card is fed to the assembly-box E, the card will be firmly held in and between the grip-bar 9'! and the plate 'i5 during the feeding of the group of inserts a-b-o-d from the hopper A into the assemblybox E for the depositing of the insert-group on top of the card, thus. again assuring that the address on the card will appeal' in registration with the \v1'ndo\'." of the envelope It.

Again, the several inserts a-b-c-d may be enclosed in the envelope h without a folded article, if so desired. and it is possible, in such case, to so adjust the cam 25 of the mechanism C of the chute B, for example. as to insure that the particular' insert a will reside at the bottom of the group of inserts av--b-cd so that, if the insert a has an address provided properly on its underface, such address may appear in registration with the window oi an envelope h.

Further, the envelope h, itself, may have the address prin-cd on iis front or rear face, in which i event, a group of inserts a--l:-c-d, alone, or inclosed in a. folded article c, may be inserted into the envelope, may best serve the purpose.

In order that the marginally projecting flap or foldable portion c' of the folded article c may be L disposed in the assembly-box E in position for gripping engagement of the flap c', the partition 18 may, by means of its adjustable attachment 'f8' to the walls i, 2, be shifted forwardly or rearwardly in the bex E suitably to the dimensions of the folded article, as may best serve the purpose. Other containers having the characteristics of an envelope, that is to say, cartons or the like, having a side or end opening ciosable by a lap or similar closure element, may be successfully employed in the machine, for the purpose set forth, by altering the dimensions of the several mechanisms iol" providing the requisite clearance for the body of the container in its movement through the machine, and I do not wish to be limited in the use of my invention to the specific type of envelope shown.

It will be understood that other changes and modifications in the form, construction, arrangement and combination of the several parts and mechanisms of the machine may be made and substituted for those herein shown and described, without departing from the nature and principles of my invention.

Having thus described my invention, Vvvhat I claim and desire to secure by Letters-Patent 1s,-

1. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination comprising a feed-plate having a projecting end for expanding the mouth of an envelope, envelope-supporting means shiftable for engaging an envelope on the envelope-expanding end of the feed-plate, means for assembling a plurality cf inclosures, means for feeding the inclosures into the expanded envelope, and means including a roller shiftably carried by the support for sealing the envelope.

2. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination comprising an envelope support including a bed having a rounded nose, a roller shiftably carried by the support. moans for moving the roller from the bed over the nose for folding the flap of an envelope thereover, means for expanding the mouth of the envelope, means for assembling a plurality of inclosures, means for inserting the inclosures into the expanded envelope, and means for moving the roller from the nose over the bed for closing the flap of the envelope.

3. In an apparatus of the character described,

the combination comprising means for gather ing a plurality of inserts, means for expanding the folds of a folded article carrying an exposed address, means for feeding the gathered inserts into an expanded article, means for closing the article on its contained inserts for forming an envelope-inclosure thereof, means for expanding the mouth of an envelope of the window type, means for feeding the inclosure into the expanded envelope with the address of the article visible through the Window of the envelope, and means for sealing the envelope on its contained inclosure.

4. In an apparatus oi the character described, the combination comprising means for opening the nap of an envelope, means for expanding the mouth of the flap-opened envelope, means for assembling a plurality of inserts and means for feeding the inserts into the expanded envelope, said last mentioned means including a feed-plate, a first continuously revolving roller-bed peripherally projecting through the feed-plate, and a second roller-bed swingingly shift-able as a unit toward the first rollerbed for engaging the assembled inserts therebetween.

5. In an apparatus of the character described, 

